How does MS affect you?
“My wife Michele was diagnosed in November of 2006.  She received swift medical attention and treatment of her initial symptoms and subsequent maintenance of MS and is doing very well; however it is always on our minds.  She has a shot schedule to keep and anything we do, we always consider her and the potential for exhaustion.”

     Who should participate in Walk MS?
“ANYONE, it was amazing to find that so many people are affected by MS (directly or indirectly) once our family was affected.  We used to keep it quieter, but now it becomes part of regular conversation at times.  We have formed our team in part due to the conversations and finding friends, co-workers etc. that have or knew/know someone with MS.”

     What does Join the Movement mean to you?
“I think Join the Movement means to embrace the situation.  Be part of the solution rather than let MS control your life.”

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                                        Kendra Drobnak Sarasota Walk MS Ambassador

     How does MS affect you?
“MS affects my family in both good and not-so-good ways. My husband’s diagnosis of MS has taught us not to take life for granted and to appreciate all that we have. We have learned to cope with and accommodate the balance issues, fatigue, and slightly reduced mobility that comes with this disease.”

     What is your favorite aspect of Walk MS?
“My favorite aspect of the walk is watching the community come together for a common goal. The combination of local businesses donating their time and resources and the teams participating regardless of their physical capabilities gives me hope that working together we can find a cure for MS.” 

     How long have you been involved with Walk MS?
“I have participated in Walk MS for only two years. The first year I was introduced to the event while at a breakfast meeting during MS Awareness Week. My husband, my parents, and I joined a team and we helped raised money. As soon as I participated in the first walk I knew I wanted to be more involved. Last year I worked on the Walk MS committee for Sarasota and did not have team. I did, however, recruit a team for Bike MS and we participated in that event where we raised over $6000.”
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The Felder Family Walk MS Tampa Ambassadors

     How does MS affect you?
Megan, the Felder’s youngest daughter was diagnosed with MS in 1995 at the age of 19.  “Initially, it affected her vision and she had a lot of fatigue.  There have been exacerbations that have affected her motor skills, although that has not been the case for a number of years.  More recently, her cognitive functions have been effected memory and processing.”

     Why do you participate in Walk MS?
“It’s a great way to give back and feel like you are making a difference in the lives of those living with MS.  It is a way for our family to fight back against the disease and meet others that have been affected by MS, whether it is other families or individuals who have been diagnosed.”

     Do you have a Walk Team?
“ Yes, our team name is ‘MaSquerade.’  It is named for the casino night we do to raise money for the walk.  Every year, we invite friends and family to evening of fun with food and drinks, a silent auction and raffle, and gaming tables.  There is music and dancing.  We charge admission plus the money we raise that night and all of the proceeds benefit the walk.  It’s a fun night for a great cause.”